Monday, September 29, 2008

New Poll - How old were you?

While statistics say that Lupus most often strikes young women between the ages of 15 and 44 (up to 80%), let's find out if the readers of Despite Lupus support the numbers. Check out the newest poll at the right - asking how old you were when you were diagnosed with Lupus. Count my vote in the second grouping, since I was diagnosed at the age of 26.

*While people of all races and ethnicities can develop lupus, the disease disproportionately affects African American, Asian, Latina, and Native American women.

*Approximately 1.5-million Americans have a form of lupus.

*In approximately 10% of all lupus cases, individuals will have symptoms and signs of more than one connective tissue disease, including lupus. A physician may use the term "overlap syndrome" or "mixed connective tissue disease" to describe the illness.

*20% of people with lupus will have a parent or sibling who already has lupus or may develop lupus.

*About 5% of the children born to individuals with lupus will develop the illness.

*Several studies reveal that the annual average cost to provide medical treatment for a person with lupus ranges between $6,000 and $10,000. For some people with lupus, however, medical costs may exceed several thousand dollars every month.

*Two of three lupus patients reported a complete or partial loss of their income because they are unable to work due to complications of lupus.

*One in three have been temporarily disabled by the disease, and one in four currently receive disability payments.

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Sara Gorman

In 2001, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus, at the age of 26. I had been married less than 6 weeks and was at a highpoint in my career in television production. While I fought to keep hold of the life I'd known - demanding, yet fulfilling career, busy social life, packed vacation schedule - after four years of running my body into the ground, I realized I was fighting life, not living it. Thus, I downshifted almost every aspect of my life. I let go of my career and made it my number one priority to get myself back in good health. I'm proud to say that I've reached my goal, but work each day to maintain that healthy lifestyle. despite lupus. My book details the steps it took to reach that goal. A native of Indiana and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, I reside in Alexandria, Virginia with my husband, two young daughters, and pug dog.